The Ultimate Guide to RV Vacationing with Kids
Every RV owner with a family knows that living your best RV life means having RV kids. RV kids are the ones who love to hit the road in your coach or travel trailer as much as you do.
Kids are not little adults, so make sure to plan ahead so the whole family can enjoy their RV experience. Here are some tips and hints for making the most of your RV vacation with kids.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Road trips and kids are not always comfortable companions. Include your kids in your RV vacation planning so they know what to expect. If this is your first family RV vacation, planning helps kids understand the ins and outs of traveling in an RV.
Planning together allows them to ask practical questions before they come up on the road.
Knowing where you’re headed, what type of clothes to bring, and how much space they have helps everyone pack appropriately.
Knowing how the family will be handling day-to-day living on the road is the key to maintaining realistic expectations. Make sure your kids know the basic functions of your RV and the tasks and chores that need to be completed as you travel.
You want the surprises on your RV vacation to be the wonderful places you visit, not learning to clean a clogged filter.
Games and Breaks
Family road trips of any kind live or die on entertainment and breaks. Bring along games to play, both on the road and while you’re parked. Make sure to stop frequently to move around and see some sights.
A vacation with RV kids presents endless opportunities to stop at little points of interest as you travel. That giant ball of twine is both a great chance for everyone to stretch their legs and a family photo opportunity!
An RV vacation is a great time for whole families to unplug. Bring board and card games, books, music, and other things your family can share. One of the best parts about RV kids is that they learn to enjoy the world without constant access to Wi-Fi.
They learn to enjoy the world without Wi-Fi
Of course, you’re also going to want to plan for TV, movies, and video games. It’s hard to cut even an RV kid off from their screens entirely. Try to find options that kids can watch or play together on the road and the whole family can enjoy at campgrounds and resorts.
Meals
Anyone who has ever traveled with a child knows all about meal anxiety. There’s always at least one kid who travels on their stomach, soothed only by knowing exactly when the next meal is planned and where and what it will be.
A great luxury of an RV vacation is the ability to do most of your meal and snack planning ahead of time. Establishing a routine is much easier when you’re traveling with a kitchen. Your meal anxiety RV kids will appreciate your efforts.
Destinations
Where is the best place to go on an RV vacation with kids? That depends entirely on the kids! Make sure to include them in this important part of your adventure planning.
Choosing RV vacation destinations also requires some research. You need to make sure that the places you choose can accommodate your RV. Check road accessibility, campgrounds and RV parks, and hookups before you make any reservations.
Let’s take a look at a few family-friendly RV vacation destinations.
National Parks
National parks often have great campgrounds and are filled with amazing things to do. If your RV kids love the great outdoors, national and state parks offer hiking, boating, climbing, and more.
From Old Faithful in Yellowstone to an airboat tour in the Everglades, national parks offer some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the country.
Theme Parks
If your kids love Disney, Six Flags, or even Harry Potter, you might consider stopping at a theme park on your RV vacation. Some, like Disney World in Florida, have a campground on site. For others, you’ll need to find a campground or RV park nearby.
If theme parks don’t appeal to the adults in your family, you can make this type of excursion a one or two-day side trip.
Historic Cities
If you have a history buff or two in the family, one of the nation’s historic cities might be a perfect RV vacation destination. Larger cities like Boston or Washington, D.C. offer historical attractions as well as abundant museums and activities specifically for kids.
If you’re interested in something a little quieter, try Charleston, South Carolina, or Williamsburg, Virginia. These historic towns have plenty of outdoor activities as well as loads of amazing historical destinations.
National Forests
Families looking for a more rustic RV vacation can head to a national forest. These beautiful natural areas are perfect for RV kids who want to rough it a little. The joy of being immersed in nature without having to pitch a tent is pretty special.
RV life always involves a lot of planning. Successful traveling with your RV kids takes a little more. But a family RV vacation is worth every bit of preparation as you make memories that will last a lifetime.
